Currently the only UK Certificate of Credit in Sports Psychology that offers university credits, this 20 credit module provides an introduction into sports psychology and covers key topics including confidence, self-doubt, anxiety, attention and mental skills training. It will also address group processes associated with team performance such as leadership, communication, group dynamics and cohesion. Throughout this module you'll learn from real life sporting examples of elite athletes on each of these key areas.
It’s ideally suited to anyone wishing to explore this area of study, or professionals working within a sports environment looking to further their knowledge or count towards their continual professional development (CPD).
For many people interested in playing, watching or contributing to today’s increasingly competitive sports society, sports are a way to keep fit, compete or even earn a pretty decent salary if you play professionally. Sport professionals and athletes strive for greatness, success and the satisfaction of winning, pushing through boundaries and limits to become the best. At times, sporting individuals may encounter psychological issues that prevent them from performing or playing to their full potential, whether this is in the form of pressure, anxiety or even a sporting injury.
By completing this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of the key factors associated with sporting performance, looking at the role these play on individual performance. Furthermore, the module will look at the performance of groups and teams and how effective teams are formed and perform. All of this will be supported with applied sporting examples.
Finally, it will introduce some of the key mental skills that are used by sport psychology practitioners. By completing this course you will get a greater understanding of the role that sport psychology has in overall sporting performance that may influence the way you currently play or coach.
Delivery from experienced academics
We’ve over 10 years' experience in the delivery of psychology courses online which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. Our specialist psychology academic team will guide you through the module, providing regular contact and feedback to ensure you stay on track. You can be assured of a supportive and structured learning experience and our online learning advisors are on hand to provide non-academic support throughout the duration of your studies.
A talk from our academic
Our academic for Psychology, Dr Gulcan Garip, talks about our online Postgraduate Psychology courses.
If you have any further questions you can contact-us.
We will advise you of your study plan when you are invited to enrol.
You will complete one 20 credit module which covers 8 core units, looking at the individual aspects of psychology, the team aspects of psychology and key mental skills within sports psychology.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Over 10 weeks you’ll complete end of unit activities that are innovatively designed to ensure you are getting the best learning experience possible. You will also have the chance to participate in discussion groups and live collaborate sessions where you can interact with staff and other students who are studying this course.
Exclusive videos from sporting professionals
Through exclusive videos from sporting professionals including Stuart Bingham (2015 Snooker World Champion), Alison Nicholas (1997 US Open winner), Steve Staunton (102 caps for the Republic of Ireland and ex Liverpool and Aston Villa player) and more, you'll gain an insight into their own personal experience in sport, providing real life examples of how psychology is used within different sporting industries.
Pace of study
We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Get a taste of the course content
Our Sports Psychology Certificate of Credit course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.
You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.
Try our course tasterTry our course taster
You will require:
- GCSE Maths (minimum grade C)
- GCSE English Language (minimum grade C)
We also accept Access qualifications (with a grade of 22 merits or a distinction). You must also be 18 years of age or over.
We will need to consider all the information that you've included in your application. We want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from studying your degree through online learning. Entry to the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Lead and prior to beginning your study you may need to speak to them.
If you have a significant amount of experience within a sports and exercise role or career, your application will also be considered.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
- TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
- London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
- International GCE O-level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
Find out more about our English language requirements
‡2023/24 for new entrants
Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£905 |
1 |
£905 |
About your fees
Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Students should apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
Documents to support your application
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
- Current CV
- Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
This certificate of credit can act as an ideal form of CPD for those working in sport - ie physiotherapists or coaches. It can provide an understanding of sports psychology and the principles associated with understanding the psychological side of athletes' performance and the psychological influences on such factors as performance and motivation.
Progression routes
Online
On campus
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Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
